How to Choose a Fireplace Mantel

In medieval times
fireplace mantels were used as a hood that projected over the grate
to contain smoke from the fireplace. These days when a homeowner considers
how to choose a fireplace mantel they are looked at as architectural pieces
of art that are used to add stature and character to hearth areas and make
the fireplace the heart of the home.

When choosing a fireplace surround for your home, it
shouldn't be treated as a trim or fireplace molding but rather a fine
piece of furniture that will provide balance and stability to the entire
room.

Before choosing a mantel for your home, there are a few
things that you should consider to ensure that the mantel you have selected
gives your fireplace the dramatic visual impact that it needs.

Fireplace mantel tips

Use the following tips as guidelines to help
you choose the perfect fireplace mantel for your home.

Fireplace mantel clearances

The National Fire Code states that all combustible material
must be 1 inch away from the firebox opening for every 1/8 inch it protrudes
from the surface, with a minimum 6-inch clearance all around. If stricter
local codes exist, these take the place of national codes so be sure to
check your local codes as well.

Measuring for a fireplace mantel

When considering a fireplace surround for your home,
you will first need to get the dimensions of your fireplace, the firebox,
and perhaps a few other measurements in order to start the process of choosing
the perfect mantel surround. The dimensions you will need to acquire to
fit your fireplace with a mantel will vary depending on whether or not you
have a hearth area surrounding your fireplace and whether or not you have
a fireplace facing. It will also depend on whether you are replacing an
old fireplace mantel or fitting your fireplace with a new mantel surround.
If you have an odd sized firebox, a stock fireplace mantel may create an
unbalanced-looking frame around the firebox opening. In this case, you might
have to custom order a fireplace surround in order to achieve a proper fit.

Sizing the room for a fireplace mantel

Fireplace mantels will naturally become the focal point
of your home once they are installed so it is important to choose one that
flows nicely with the interior design of the home without overpowering the
room that it's in. For example you wouldn't want to choose a large
fireplace surround that is going to overwhelm a smaller fireplace and vice
versa. Take a look at the style and collaboration of the surroundings in
the room and make sure that the fireplace mantel you choose is going to
blend and complement the rest of your decor.

Fireplace mantel construction

Our selection of mantels are made from an Asian hardwood
call Choi which is a light colored, tight grained wood that is similar in
grain character to American White Oak. The most common of the various materials
used to make fireplace mantels is wood because it is fairly easy to work
with and builders can easily carve and manipulate the wood to create a variety
of styles and fireplace mantel shapes. Keep in mind that wood fireplace
mantels require clearances to combustible materials on the top and sides
of the fireplace. We also offer fireplace mantels with medium density
fiberboard builds that are primed and ready to be stained or painted upon
arrival.

Fireplace mantel budget

Wood fireplace mantels tend to be the most affordable
and can range in design from simple and traditional to elegant and more
dramatic. The price of a wood fireplace mantel will vary depending on size,
the type of wood used, the finish of the fireplace surround, and the carving
details in the wood. We carry a large selection of Pearl wood fireplace
mantels in a variety of designs and finishes to complement any home's
interior.

Fireplace mantels are a great way to dress up a dull fireplace and display
portraits, family heirlooms and other timeless possessions that represent tradition
and heritage. The stylish selection of wood fireplace mantels at NorthlineExpress.com
includes modern, rustic, simple, elegant, and luxurious fireplace mantels in
beautiful cherry, oak, fruit wood, and French Country finishes. NorthlineExpress
also carries a large selection of unfinished, primed fireplace mantels that
are ready to paint or stain with whatever color or finish you wish. See our
selection of Fireplace Mantels.